Editorial: Baltimore makes strides in decreasing homicides

For decades, Baltimore City had the dubious distinction of being one of America's murder capitals. Now, for the first time in more than 30 years, Baltimore is no longer among the nation's five deadliest cities, according to the FBI's latest statistics.

While the city’s rate of 31 killings per 100,000 people remains higher than some neighboring jurisdictions, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she is encouraged by the decline. Some residents credited neighborhood revitalization in some areas, crime camera technology and additional foot patrols.

Whatever the reasons, most applaud the fact that Baltimore dropped out of the top five even if only to No. 6. It's a far cry from the 1993 peak murder rate of 353, and, ideally, a new police commissioner will continue the efforts of safer streets in Baltimore.